Cities and Towns in Kleberg County, Texas

Founded in 1913, Kleberg County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Kleberg County was formed from Nueces County. The city of Kingsville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 273, Kleberg County has a population of 30,635 and area of 871 square miles (2,256 km²).

List of all cities in Kleberg County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Kingsville, TX	78363	361
	78364	361
Kingsville Naval Air Station, TX	78363	361
Loyola Beach, TX	78379	361
Ricardo, TX	78363	361
Riviera, TX	78379	361
Riviera Beach, TX	78379	361
Vattmanville, TX	78379	361

Major Cities and Towns in Kleberg County, Texas

1. Kingsville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 7.1 square miles
• Population: Approximately 26,000
• Zip Codes: 78363, 78364
• Latitude: 27.5141° N
• Longitude: 97.8686° W

Location and History:

Kingsville is the county seat and largest city in Kleberg County, located in the southern part of Texas, approximately 40 miles north of the Mexican border. It was founded in 1904 by Richard King, the owner of the King Ranch, one of the largest and most famous ranches in the world. The city was originally established as a railroad stop, and its early economy was built around agriculture, particularly cattle ranching. Kingsville’s close proximity to the King Ranch helped it grow into a major center for cattle, farming, and ranching activities. The arrival of the railroad spurred further growth and allowed the city to develop its commercial and cultural sectors. Kingsville was officially incorporated in 1913, and its economy diversified in the 20th century to include oil, gas, and education, with the establishment of Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 1925. Over the years, Kingsville has maintained a connection to its ranching roots while growing as an educational, cultural, and industrial hub for the region. Today, Kingsville is a thriving city with a strong sense of community, deep ties to agriculture, and a vibrant economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Kingsville is home to Texas A&M University-Kingsville, a prominent public university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, particularly in agriculture, engineering, and business. The city also has a number of public schools under the Kingsville Independent School District, including Kingsville High School, which provides strong academic and extracurricular programs for students. Major landmarks in Kingsville include the King Ranch, which spans over 825,000 acres and offers guided tours to showcase its history and operations. The Ranch hosts the King Ranch Museum, which is located in downtown Kingsville and features exhibits on the history of ranching, local wildlife, and Texas’ cultural heritage. The historic Kleberg County Courthouse, built in the early 20th century, is another notable site in the city. Kingsville is also home to the John E. Conner Museum, which celebrates the region’s history and natural environment. For outdoor activities, the city offers access to the nearby Santa Gertrudis Creek and various parks, including the Kingsville City Park, which features sports facilities and picnic areas. The city’s vibrant downtown district hosts annual events like the King Ranch Rodeo, which celebrates the city’s cowboy heritage.

2. Ricardo

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 4.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,000
• Zip Codes: 78370
• Latitude: 27.4979° N
• Longitude: 97.7365° W

Location and History:

Ricardo is a small, rural community located about 14 miles southeast of Kingsville, in the northeastern part of Kleberg County. The town was founded in the early 1900s as a farming community and is primarily known for its agricultural roots. It was named after the local Ricardo family, who were among the early settlers in the area. Agriculture, especially cotton farming, was the driving force behind the town’s early economy, and it continues to play a key role today. Over time, Ricardo became known for its proximity to the King Ranch, one of the world’s largest ranches, which significantly influenced the development of the area. While the town’s population has remained relatively small, Ricardo’s close-knit community and peaceful, rural atmosphere make it an attractive place for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The town’s economy is still largely based on agriculture, with many residents involved in farming and ranching. Ricardo has retained much of its small-town charm and continues to serve as a peaceful rural enclave within Kleberg County.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Ricardo is part of the Ricardo Independent School District, which operates Ricardo High School, as well as elementary and middle schools. The district is dedicated to providing quality education to its small student body, with a focus on community involvement and agricultural education. While Ricardo does not have a large number of major landmarks, the surrounding area offers access to the natural beauty of the Texas Coastal Plains. The town’s proximity to the King Ranch offers residents a unique connection to one of the largest and most famous ranches in the world. Ricardo is also close to the Santa Gertrudis Creek, which offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and birdwatching. The small, rural nature of Ricardo provides a peaceful living environment for families and individuals, with easy access to nearby Kingsville for additional amenities. While it may not be known for large-scale tourist attractions, Ricardo is an integral part of the region’s agricultural landscape and maintains a strong sense of local community.

3. Riviera

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 0.8 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,200
• Zip Codes: 78379
• Latitude: 27.2207° N
• Longitude: 97.8113° W

Location and History:

Riviera is a small town located in the southern part of Kleberg County, approximately 30 miles south of Kingsville and about 30 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico. The town was established in the early 20th century, with its economy initially based on agriculture, including cotton, citrus fruits, and vegetables. Riviera’s location along the Gulf Coast allowed it to benefit from trade and commerce, with easy access to nearby ports. The town’s population remained relatively small throughout the 20th century, but it has maintained a close-knit community, with many of its residents working in agriculture or commuting to Kingsville and other nearby cities. In recent years, Riviera has become known for its proximity to the Texas coastal region, making it a quiet retreat for those seeking to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. While the town remains small, its location near the Gulf Coast and access to the King Ranch make it an important part of Kleberg County’s agricultural and rural economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Riviera is served by the Riviera Independent School District, which includes Riviera High School, as well as several elementary and middle schools. The district provides strong academic programs, with an emphasis on agricultural education, given the region’s farming and ranching heritage. Major landmarks in Riviera include the Riviera City Park, which offers recreational facilities for local residents, including sports fields, a playground, and picnic areas. Riviera is also located near the King Ranch, one of the largest ranches in the world, which offers opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the region’s rich history and agricultural practices. The town’s proximity to the Gulf Coast makes it a gateway to a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The nearby coastal region offers opportunities for ecotourism, attracting nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Riviera is within driving distance of Padre Island National Seashore, a protected coastal area offering pristine beaches, dunes, and wildlife, making it an attractive destination for outdoor recreation.

4. Sarita

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 0.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 300
• Zip Codes: 78385
• Latitude: 27.3027° N
• Longitude: 97.8156° W

Location and History:

Sarita is a very small, rural town located in the southern part of Kleberg County, about 30 miles southeast of Kingsville and near the border with the Rio Grande Valley. The town was established in the early 1900s as part of the expansion of the King Ranch, with the construction of a railroad through the area helping to boost its development. Like many other small towns in the region, Sarita’s economy was initially driven by agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and cotton farming. Over the years, Sarita has remained a small community, with a population that has steadily declined since its peak in the early 20th century. While the town itself does not have a large commercial base, it is an integral part of Kleberg County’s agricultural landscape. Sarita’s proximity to the King Ranch, one of the largest and most historically significant ranches in the world, provides residents and visitors with a unique connection to the region’s ranching heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Sarita is served by the Kenedy Independent School District, with students attending schools in the nearby town of Kenedy. While Sarita itself has few landmarks, it is close to the King Ranch, which offers a variety of cultural and historical experiences related to ranching, wildlife, and Texas history. The King Ranch itself is one of the region’s largest attractions, offering tours and educational programs that focus on its agricultural operations and historical significance. Sarita is also near the Santa Gertrudis Creek, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and hiking. While the town remains small, its rural charm and close ties to agriculture and the King Ranch make it an important part of Kleberg County’s identity. The nearby area offers ample opportunities for birdwatching, hunting, and exploring the natural beauty of the South Texas plains. The town also serves as a peaceful, residential area for those working in nearby agricultural and ranching industries.